Resident Perspectives on Post-Rounds Communication With Families Using Diverse Languages

To explore pediatric residents' experiences communicating with families after rounds and identify barriers and facilitators to communication with families using languages other than English (LOE).

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with pediatric residents at a freestanding children's hospital. We used purposive sampling to recruit residents who recently worked on inpatient general pediatrics or subspecialty medical teams. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded via inductive thematic analysis to develop codes and themes. Two investigators independently reviewed transcripts before reconciling codes. Interviews continued until thematic sufficiency was achieved.

We interviewed 17 participants and identified 3 themes: (1) post-rounds communication is meaningful for residents, fostering connection, professional fulfillment, and family-centered care; (2) communication is inconsistently prioritized given competing clinical demands and shaped by unclear expectations and prior experiences with families; (3) communication challenges are heightened for families using LOE as reliance on language services, availability constraints, and variable interpreter modalities amplify time pressures and compromise quality. These barriers contribute to post-rounds communication disparities for families using LOE, including delayed updates and less rapport-building. Residents suggested improving communication through increased interpreter access, enhanced training, and improved interpreter request processes.

Residents value post-rounds communication, but competing clinical priorities without explicit expectations make it difficult to get back to the bedside. Challenges are amplified for families using LOE due to the need for interpretation and contribute to communication disparities. Next steps involve better understanding other team and caregiver perspectives and developing system-wide strategies to support equitable communication practices.